Welcome to the third installment of the Military Spouse Transition Timeline. This covers months 6 down to the final retirement day when it’s time to celebrate a new journey for you and your family. If you’ve missed the first two timeline pieces we started with 4+ years out which covers all the questions you and your servicemember should be talking about. Part two is from 6 months to 12 months out from transition with an itemized checklist and links to the resources you need to get all of it sorted for your family’s needs.
Remember, this timeline is for YOU, the military spouse. This is not the task list that your servicemember needs to be completing — although I do note important pieces of that here so you are also tracking what’s on their list!
As always, if you’d like to grab the download version that includes a priority task list worksheet and a few other extras we’ve always got that available.
The Military Spouse Transition Timeline Part One: The Big Questions
The Military Spouse Transition Timeline Part Two: 6 Months to 12 Months Out
Download the All-In-One Transition Timeline for the Military Spouse
4-6 Months Out
What the Military Spouse Should Be Working On Four to Six Months Out
Have a conversation with your servicemember and finalize the decisions necessary for the DD 2456 form including Survivor Benefit Plan(SBP), beneficiaries at time of death, how pay will be received, federal and state taxes, allotments, etc.
Use this calculator to figure out your Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) monthly premiums. Check out this article to learn more about the payback time.
Schedule your final walk-through for a move inspection and continue cleaning and purging your space.
Check into how to get retired dependent ID Cards for all eligible members of your family. Know what documents are needed.
Share wins and concerns with your spouse/partner to better support each other.
Continue completing ongoing checklist items.
What My Servicemember Should Be Working On Four to Six Months Out
Assemble the retirement packet documents including, but not limited to retirement orders, separation data, statement of service, and high average base amount.
Discuss SBP and form DD 2456 with your spouse/partner in preparation for a meeting with the Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) Office.
File your Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) to the VA to begin the claims process. Work with a reputable VSO as needed.
Work on the checklist to clear your installation.
Continue planning the retirement ceremony.
1-3 Months Out
What the Military Spouse Should be Working on One to Three Months Out
Is all information about family members in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) up to date and correct?
Book any professional appointments for the retirement ceremony/party process to include:
- professional photographer for family and ceremony/party photos
- hairdresser/haircut
- nail appointment/spa day
- massage (make it a couples massage!)
- dress or suit-fitting
- lawn care
- child care
- reservations at restaurants as needed
Send out retirement ceremony/party invitations and/or retirement announcements. Tip: Include your change of address information if you know it already!
If you have pets, schedule any outstanding vaccinations needed for travel or boarding. Have your pet vet records binder ready to go. You never know if you’ll need to drop off a pet last minute!
Schedule setup for electric, gas, internet,etc. for new home location.
Prioritize any outstanding items on your transition timeline checklist that haven’t been done. Who can you ask for some help or support? What do you have to do by yourself? Let your military community help you! We truly want to do something that is useful!
What My Servicemember Should Be Working On One to Three Months Out
Finalizing all the things on the retirement checklist! Spend time together going over any appointments, information, decisions, or tasks that are outstanding that might require help and create a priority checklist.
The Final 30 Days
What the Military Spouse Should Be Doing for the Last 30 Days Before Leaving Active Duty Military Life
Know your selected Tricare Plan. You must enroll within 90 days after retirement.
Decide on all the insurance options you might want to have:
- Dental Insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life Insurance
Make sure you have copies or access to all necessary medical records for your family members and yourself.
Make sure you have all necessary vet records for your pets.
Finalize any last minute plans for the retirement ceremony and party.
Finalize any moving plans or new home needs.
Take informal and formal family photos with your servicemember in uniform.
Continue completing any outstanding ongoing checklist items.
What My Servicemember Should be Working On the Final Thirty Days Before Leaving Active Duty Military Service
Finalize any decisions on insurances including VGLI and SGLI.
Check-in with the VA if your claim hasn’t been finalized yet.
Are you going back to work? If you have a job offer, make sure you are ready for your first day of your new job. If not, continue to network and apply for positions.
Make sure the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) is tracking your retirement date correctly. Check out this DFAS Helpful Tips and Tools for Retirees New to Retire Pay which explains when you should see your first paycheck, what they need from you, how to review your pay statements, etc.
Help with the final items on the checklist to make sure your entire family feels ready for transition!
Enjoy your last month of terminal leave!
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE IT!
This can definitely be a “ready or not” moment, but give yourself some grace, enjoy looking at that DD214 and take some time to dream about what life can be like now that it’s all over. Make sure to join our MilSpouse Transition community on the social platform of your choice and share your experiences with military spouses getting ready to start their own journey through transition.
